as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
even what seems to be a dream job usually turns out to have its fair share of rubs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
the brake pads were rubbed away as a result of years of use
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to sand
to make smooth by friction
the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to polish
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
the butler rubbed the silver tea set until it gleamed
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rub
Cheryl V. Jackson, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
Rodent rub marks decorated the walls and ceilings.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 5 Mar. 2026
Once inside, Salarzai molested the child, including touching his chest and rubbing his thigh.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
Popeyes The Popeyes Seafood Menu has returned for a limited time, with four new dry rub options to spice up ala carte Shrimp and Tackle Box.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
Rodent rub marks decorated the walls and ceilings.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
But though an -itis can sound intense, there’s still no reason to be alarmed (or, again, to rub your eyes).
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 5 Mar. 2026
Once inside, Salarzai molested the child, including touching his chest and rubbing his thigh.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
-
Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or a severe headache could signal a medical emergency.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain, body aches, headache and fever.—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Law enforcement later found Diagne - who was fatally shot by police - was wearing a T-shirt stamped with an Iranian flag design, according to a source.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Mia Goth chose a red and black lace overlay frock, with delicate drop earrings and her brunette locks loose around her, opting to wear her fringe center parted.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Age has a way of mellowing a person, sanding away their rough edges, leaving only their essence.—
Stephen Thomas Erlewine,
Pitchfork,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Plants are very adaptable, tolerating a range of growing conditions from full sun to deep shade, clay to sand, and dry to occasionally wet soil.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The beverage program, led by Mariena Mercer Boarini, is polished and exacting without veering into theatrics.—
David Morris,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Over his 30-year coaching career, Niko Medved has polished a preferred offensive playing style, fine-tuning it in his dozen years as a head coach.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Burchett, along with Mace, Luna, and other conservative Republicans, is frequently a thorn in the side of congressional leadership and sees the panel as a platform for their legislative priorities.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Feb. 2026
-
So that was the rose, here's the thorn.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Blue Owl is a significant direct lender to the sector, which has been shaken by concerns that rapidly advancing AI tools could erode traditional SaaS business models.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
-
On her island home in the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu, the shoreline has visibly retreated within her short lifetime, with beaches eroded, coastal trees uprooted and some homes now barely 3 feet (about 1 meter) from the sea at high tide.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Many tree care companies offer stump grinding services.—
Daniel Scott,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Mar. 2026
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The Broncos still have almost two months of pre-draft meetings to conduct and tape to grind, but their areas of interest are slightly clearer, afteeir Payton made clear Denver will take a hard look at repositioning itself at linebacker, running back and tight end.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Another said the product is effective at smoothing lines without aggravating sensitive skin.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Simultaneously, a conditioning complex of peptides, ceramides, encapsulated hyaluronic acid, and botanical ingredients works to smooth, cushion, and replenish moisture where it’s most needed.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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